This terracotta Madonna and Child (c1500) is from Northern Italy, and currentky located in the Museum of Fine Arts, Lyon, France

The sculpture depicts a Madonna and Child from around 1500, crafted in a terracotta medium. The Virgin Mary is seated, holding the Christ Child on her lap. Her expression is serene, with a gentle gaze, and she is draped in flowing robes with intricate detailing along the edges, reflecting the rich textile influences of the period. The Child is shown as an active infant, reaching out or interacting with Mary, with a naturalistic yet slightly stylized form typical of late 15th- to early 16th-century Italian art. The terracotta's earthy tones and textured surface suggest it may have been left unpainted or lightly colored, a common practice in Northern Italian workshops.

In Northern Italy around 1500, the Renaissance was in full swing, blending Gothic traditions with emerging humanistic ideals. This period saw a flourishing of religious art, particularly in cities like Venice, Milan, and Padua, where terracotta was a favored material due to its accessibility and suitability for detailed modeling. The Madonna and Child theme was central to Christian devotion, reflecting the Counter-Reformation's emphasis on accessible religious imagery. Artists like Andrea della Robbia influenced the region with their glazed terracotta works, though this piece's unglazed finish aligns with local variations. The sculpture likely served as a devotional object in a church or private chapel, embodying the era's focus on maternal tenderness and divine humanity, amidst the political and cultural dynamism of Renaissance Italy.